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There’s a New Plan to Save Lotushttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/theres-new-plan-save-lotus.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/theres-new-plan-save-lotus.html#commentsThu, 06 Nov 2014 14:18:08 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=261487There’s a New Plan to Save LotusLotus is struggling. The boutique British brand has been losing money hand over leather-driving-glove-covered fist for several years now, but their new chief-executive has plans to correct the company’s course. Jean-Marc Gales has been CEO of Lotus since 2012 when the firm’s previous leader was unceremoniously sacked. Despite the change of leadership, in their most... more]]>

Lotus is struggling. The boutique British brand has been losing money hand over leather-driving-glove-covered fist for several years now, but their new chief-executive has plans to correct the company’s course.

Jean-Marc Gales has been CEO of Lotus since 2012 when the firm’s previous leader was unceremoniously sacked. Despite the change of leadership, in their most recent fiscal year they lost 159 million pounds, about $253 million.

To stem this tidal wave of red ink the company plans to eliminate some 325 jobs, which may not sound like much of a reduction, but on a percentage basis it’s huge when you only have about 1,200 employees.

In addition to cutbacks Gales also plans to increase the number of Lotus dealers. So far they’ve opened nine new stores in the last six months and that total could reach 20 by the end of the company’s fiscal year.

Lotus will remain absolutely focused on building vehicles that are dedicated to providing an entertaining driving experience. Going forward they will continue to use an aluminum-tub chassis but one of an improved design that’s even more rigid yet easier to get into and out of.

Gales said there are no new vehicles to announce at this time but in spite of this he projects the company will return to profitability in the “very foreseeable future.”

GALLERY: Lotus Exige Final Edition

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/theres-new-plan-save-lotus.html/feed2more]]>Lotus Recovery Underway: Exechttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/lotus-recovery-begun-exec.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/lotus-recovery-begun-exec.html#respondWed, 29 Jan 2014 13:02:13 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=231738Lotus Recovery Underway: ExecThe recovery process for Lotus has begun as the automaker has started cutting costs and expanding sales. Last year, the British automaker’s sales increased 86 percent in its U.K. home market while export sales, especially to China, have also improved. Lotus currently has a four-month waiting list for its cars, a good sign for the... more]]>

The recovery process for Lotus has begun as the automaker has started cutting costs and expanding sales.

Last year, the British automaker’s sales increased 86 percent in its U.K. home market while export sales, especially to China, have also improved. Lotus currently has a four-month waiting list for its cars, a good sign for the automaker that went through turmoil under former CEO Dany Bahar.

The brand’s chief operating officer, Aslam Farikullah, has identified two key objectives for the British automaker: maintaining financial stability and further improving the build quality of its vehicles. Improvements have been made to the automaker’s own manufacturing practices in addition to contact and discussions with underperforming suppliers.

Last year, Lotus production rose to 1,368 units and its U.K. sales grew from 120 units to 230 units. Currently, Lotus is producing around 40 cars a week at its Hethel plant and the aim is now to increase output to 45 or 50 Elise, Exige and Evora models per week. The brand’s ultimate goal is to produce 1,800 to 2,000 vehicles a year.

As for new models, Farikullah was quiet on that end, saying “[the company’s] long-term vision is for Lotus to be at the forefront of automotive innovation.”

GALLERY: Lotus Exige V6 Cup

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/lotus-recovery-begun-exec.html/feed0more]]>Lotus Secures its Future, But Five Car Plan Axedhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/07/lotus-secures-its-future-but-five-car-plan-axed.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/07/lotus-secures-its-future-but-five-car-plan-axed.html#commentsSat, 20 Jul 2013 12:28:08 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=206811Lotus Secures its Future, But Five Car Plan AxedWith rumors of a future for Lotus swirling, the company will live on as its new owner DRB-Hicom has signed off on a three-year plan to fund the British sports car maker. Though details weren’t disclosed on how much DRB-Hicom will be investing into the brand, it has been confirmed that it has spent over... more]]>

With rumors of a future for Lotus swirling, the company will live on as its new owner DRB-Hicom has signed off on a three-year plan to fund the British sports car maker.

Though details weren’t disclosed on how much DRB-Hicom will be investing into the brand, it has been confirmed that it has spent over $152 million to keep Lotus alive. During that time, however, the automaker sold enough vehicles to warrant further investing, especially now that everything involved with the buyout from Proton has been completed.

As for future plans, Lotus will begin by offering new variants based on existing products but sporting improved technology, performance, quality and most importantly, cost. The Lotus Exige S Roadster was the first of these variants, and more will be coming from the Evora and Elise.

Up to the end of May, Lotus had sold 70 vehicles, compared to 80 in 2012. Production will now be increased to 40 units per month with about 85 percent of them being exported.

Lastly, DRB-Hicom confirmed that Dany Bahar’s ambitious plan of five models in five years has been axed for something more practical. The Esprit project however, since it was much further along than the other vehicles, could be revived under DRB-Hicom.

GALLERY: Exige S Roadster

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/07/lotus-secures-its-future-but-five-car-plan-axed.html/feed5more]]>Lotus’ Newest Vehicle Only has Two Wheelshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/06/lotus-c01-motorcycle-newest-vehicle-has-only-two-wheels.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/06/lotus-c01-motorcycle-newest-vehicle-has-only-two-wheels.html#respondFri, 21 Jun 2013 16:36:27 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=202665Lotus’ Newest Vehicle Only has Two WheelsLotus is getting into the world of two-wheel motorsports, announcing today that the brand will be producing a new motorcycle called the Lotus C-01. It looks like Lotus will lend its name to the project, with the real work being put in by Holzer Group, the company that will be responsible for development, production and assembly of... more]]>

Lotus is getting into the world of two-wheel motorsports, announcing today that the brand will be producing a new motorcycle called the Lotus C-01.

It looks like Lotus will lend its name to the project, with the real work being put in by Holzer Group, the company that will be responsible for development, production and assembly of the bike. Kodewa, a German based race team, is also involved with the bike.

The design for the C-01 will come from former Volkswagen and current Hollywood designer Daniel Simon, who is responsible in part for the Bugatti Veyron, and creations like the Tron: Legacy vintage light cycle. So far, all we have is the teaser image seen above, which shows off a carbon fiber gas tank complete with Lotus black and gold livery.

Other information on the bike is limited, though the brand did drop a few hints. Titanium, carbon fibre and aerospace steel are said to be incorporated in what Lotus calls the “hyper bike.” For power, Lotus estimates the engine will make 200 hp, but there is no mention of what the motor will be.

“With the Lotus C-01, we have only one ambition: to create a unique state-of-the-art machine that carries its brutal forces with elegance and style, a high-tech monster in a tailored suit,” says Simon. “The C-01, with all its top notch components and materials, is first and foremost emotional, heartbreaking, at times playfully retro, and always clearly a Lotus.”

Lotus says that in the next few weeks, more picture and information will become available regarding the C-01.

“Lotus is a glamorous name with a rich history, and the C-01 celebrates it proudly: the shapes of the marvelous Lotus 49 were a main inspiration, and all color schemes pay homage to iconic Lotus racing liveries, such as the dashing black and gold. The intersection of past and future always fascinates, and so does the unique idea of the C-01,” finished Simon.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/06/lotus-c01-motorcycle-newest-vehicle-has-only-two-wheels.html/feed0more]]>Lotus Looks to Boost Sales 5 Times by 2015http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/lotus-looks-to-boost-sales-5-times-by-2015.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/lotus-looks-to-boost-sales-5-times-by-2015.html#commentsThu, 10 Jan 2013 23:32:17 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=175374Lotus Looks to Boost Sales 5 Times by 2015Lotus Group’s parent company DRB Hicom is predicting some lofty goals for the small sports car company, confident that by 2015 the brand will be selling between 4,000 and 5,000 units per year. In 2012 Lotus produced just 1,043 cars, still a long way off from 4,000. The estimate is based on the increasing global demand... more]]>

Lotus Group’s parent company DRB Hicom is predicting some lofty goals for the small sports car company, confident that by 2015 the brand will be selling between 4,000 and 5,000 units per year.

In 2012 Lotus produced just 1,043 cars, still a long way off from 4,000. The estimate is based on the increasing global demand for sports cars and the new management at DRB-Hicom.

“To change something that has been there for 16 years is not easy, but the management team is very innovative and forthcoming,” said DRB-Hicom cheif Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil. “We know there is competition in the market. However, with our quality and standard enhancements of the Lotus, we are confident we can compete.”

Lotus’ biggest markets are China, Japan and North America, though the brand is expanding, having just opened a new dealership in Kuala Lumpur.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/01/lotus-looks-to-boost-sales-5-times-by-2015.html/feed2more]]>Lotus Official Club Italia Coming in Decemberhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/10/lotus-official-club-italia-coming-in-december.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/10/lotus-official-club-italia-coming-in-december.html#respondMon, 15 Oct 2012 16:45:18 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=160706Lotus Official Club Italia Coming in DecemberA new members only club for Lotus owners will be launched in December called ‘Lotus Official Club Italia’ and will feature a calendar of events and activities that celebrate the British automaker. Activities for Lotus Official Club Italia members will include national gatherings and assemblies, organized excursions, trips to Lotus headquarters, and of course, various... more]]>

A new members only club for Lotus owners will be launched in December called ‘Lotus Official Club Italia’ and will feature a calendar of events and activities that celebrate the British automaker.

Activities for Lotus Official Club Italia members will include national gatherings and assemblies, organized excursions, trips to Lotus headquarters, and of course, various motorsport events. Members will also receive a benefits package that will be good for discounts on Lotus parts and merchandise in addition to getting preferential rates at Lotus partner companies’ hotels and restaurants.

Lotus Official Club Italia will also launch an online portal for members to interact with one another and share their passion for Lotus vehicles. Annual membership will run €99, including VAT.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/10/lotus-official-club-italia-coming-in-december.html/feed0more]]>Lotus Production Resumes At Full Pacehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/04/lotus-production-resumes-at-full-pace.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/04/lotus-production-resumes-at-full-pace.html#respondThu, 26 Apr 2012 14:40:02 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=130797Lotus Production Resumes At Full PaceBritish sports car firm Lotus has been battling with finances and trying to secure its future ever since its parent company Proton, which was Malaysian state owned, was sold to DRB-Hicom. Now, there is once again good news on the horizon. Lotus Cars has secured enough investment from DBR-Hicom to continue production at full capacity... more]]>British sports car firm Lotus has been battling with finances and trying to secure its future ever since its parent company Proton, which was Malaysian state owned, was sold to DRB-Hicom.

Now, there is once again good news on the horizon. Lotus Cars has secured enough investment from DBR-Hicom to continue production at full capacity within the next few days, as production was halted last month over financial concerns. Plus Lotus will be once again able to start work on its new wave of products, which starts with the new Esprit supercar, coming by the end of 2013.

The company is planning to introduce four new models within the next five years, while in the mean time focus remains on production of the Evora, Elise and the new Exige S (pictured), which has just been launched in Europe.

For some time, it looked like Lotus would be sold to the Chinese, but CEO Dany Bahar says; “It’s just not true. There is no fire sale, no selling process and no bidding. If there were, lots of strange people would be here doing inspections and due diligence, but there is nobody. Besides, I have no authority to sell the company. That’s a job for the shareholders. I am just an employee.”

For now, Lotus is back in action and will also be actively taking part at this years Goodwod Festival of Speed, where it is the featured marque. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Hethel based company.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/04/lotus-production-resumes-at-full-pace.html/feed0more]]>Lotus F1 Evora GTE and Exige S: 2012 Geneva Motor Showhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/lotus-and-kimi-raikkonen-introduce-hot-f1-evora-gte-and-exige-s-2012-geneva-motor-show.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/lotus-and-kimi-raikkonen-introduce-hot-f1-evora-gte-and-exige-s-2012-geneva-motor-show.html#respondThu, 08 Mar 2012 13:45:57 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=118722Lotus F1 Evora GTE and Exige S: 2012 Geneva Motor ShowOther features include weight savings of some 100 kg and a 3.5-liter mid-mounted V6 that's been tuned to deliver 444 horsepower, giving it one of the best power to weight ratios of any street going performance car. Lotus has said the F1 Team Evora GTE will be available in Europe by early summer. more]]>

The signing of 2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen to LotusRenault GP for the 2012 season is generating quite a stir in Grand Prix circles and so far in testing, the team’s new car, the E20 has shown a lot of promise.

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Lotus Cars had further news to announce, namely the hot new Lotus F1 Team Evora GTE and the Exige S Roadster. The former pays homage to Lotus Formula 1 history, sporting an unpainted carbonfiber body with copper accents that simulates the traditional F1 livery. There’s also specially trimmed bucket seats with gold piping and exclusive Lotus F1 Team Special Edition appliqués.

Other features include weight savings of some 100 kg and a 3.5-liter mid-mounted V6 that’s been tuned to deliver 444 horsepower, giving it one of the best power to weight ratios of any street going performance car. Lotus has said the F1 Team Evora GTE will be available in Europe by early summer.

As for the Exige S Roadster, it essentially combines all the attributes of its hard top counterpart; supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, lightweight chassis and optimally tuned suspension. Lotus says it will dash from 0-100 mph in just 8.5 seconds and is the first Exige model to be fitted with a lightweight removable soft top roof. Two transmissions will be offered, a proper six-speed manual and a Serial Precision Shift automated manual for those that want the convenience of shiftless driving in town but full gear selection control when they need it.

Kimi Raikkonen, who attended the Geneva Press conference said, in regards to the Lotus F1 Evora GTE, “I would love to have this as my company car.” For a man whose used to driving at serious triple digit speeds, that’s a serious compliment.

GALLERY: Lotus F1 Evora GTE and Exige S

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/lotus-and-kimi-raikkonen-introduce-hot-f1-evora-gte-and-exige-s-2012-geneva-motor-show.html/feed0more]]>Lotus Exige to Get V6 Enginehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-engine.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-engine.html#respondMon, 08 Aug 2011 15:45:30 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=77401Lotus Exige to Get V6 EngineThe current Lotus Exige is on the way out. Production has stopped for the European spec model since last December, because its current 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine does not meet current emission standards. And here at home, Lotus just announced a Final Edition model to bring the car’s run to a close. So what is Lotus... more]]>The current Lotus Exige is on the way out. Production has stopped for the European spec model since last December, because its current 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine does not meet current emission standards. And here at home, Lotus just announced a Final Edition model to bring the car’s run to a close.

So what is Lotus to do with the Exige now? Simple answer, make a V6 version with the engine out of the Evora. But it is no easy swap. The Toyota-sourced V6 engine is bigger, so Lotus has been running a test mule with a wider track and a longer wheelbase.

Don’t think the next Exige will be some Frankensteinien-like disfigured monster either, cobbled together hastily. The new car will be mostly new and its styling will be quite different. Lotus design boss Donato Coco thinks their current line-up looks “too weak” and wants to inject more style in their future models.

So expect the new Exige to have the new family look as previewed by Lotus at various auto shows over the last year. Their first completely new model will be the Esprit, which is due in 2013.

For the time-being, an updated Exige along with the current Evora should allow Lotus to bridge the gap between their current and their future cars.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-engine.html/feed0more]]>Lotus Elan Concept Is Something Completely Different [Paris 2010]http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/lotus-elan-concept-is-something-completely-different-paris-2010.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/lotus-elan-concept-is-something-completely-different-paris-2010.html#respondThu, 30 Sep 2010 17:34:50 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=35427Lotus Elan Concept Is Something Completely Different [Paris 2010]The original Lotus Elan was an icon, a two-seat, four-cylinder roadster that weighed 1,400 pounds and was the inspiration for the Mazda Miata. The new one couldn’t be more different. Styled in the same vein as the new Esprit, the supercharged 4.0L V6 makes 450 horsepower and an optional hybrid system help rocket the Elan... more]]>

The original Lotus Elan was an icon, a two-seat, four-cylinder roadster that weighed 1,400 pounds and was the inspiration for the Mazda Miata. The new one couldn’t be more different.

Styled in the same vein as the new Esprit, the supercharged 4.0L V6 makes 450 horsepower and an optional hybrid system help rocket the Elan to a 193 mph top speed and a mid-3 second 0-60 time.

The 2+2 configuration suggests that this car might replace the Evora, which seats 4, although the $118,500 price tag is quite a bit more than the current Evora’s sticker.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/lotus-elan-concept-is-something-completely-different-paris-2010.html/feed0more]]>Report: Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley Retireshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/07/report-lotus-ceo-mike-kimberley-retires.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/07/report-lotus-ceo-mike-kimberley-retires.html#respondThu, 16 Jul 2009 15:22:11 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=5444Report: Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley RetiresLotus CEO Mike Kimberley has announced his retirement as the head of the U.K. based sports car maker due to medical reasons. The 70-year-0ld Kimberley has been suffering from severe back pain, underwent surgery in 2008 and has now been advised by his doctors to resign his position. “Sadly, it is on doctor’s orders that... more]]>

Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley has announced his retirement as the head of the U.K. based sports car maker due to medical reasons. The 70-year-0ld Kimberley has been suffering from severe back pain, underwent surgery in 2008 and has now been advised by his doctors to resign his position.

“Sadly, it is on doctor’s orders that I am stepping down but I will leave confident that Lotus is in great shape with a strong management team fully supported by our shareholder in Malaysia,” Kimberley said in a statement. “It’ll be very hard to leave knowing that there are such exciting times ahead but I’ll take with me many very happy memories. I want to extend my thanks to the company’s shareholder for their unfailing support, my management team and the wonderful staff both at Hethel and at our various operational locations throughout the world. Most of all I want to thank our Lotus customers and loyal fans worldwide for their support over the years.”

Kimberley started his career with Jaguar in 1953 and has since worked in the automotive industry for 56 years. He joined Lotus in 1969, leaving in 1992 to pursue other opportunities with companies like General Motors and Lamborghini, before returning to Lotus in 2006.

Since then Kimberley has over seen the production of the Evora, as well as the expansion of Lotus Engineering, a world renowned high-tech engineering firm.

Kimberley will officially retire on tomorrow, July 17th.

Official release after the jump:

The Chief Executive of Group Lotus, Mike Kimberley, announced today that he is stepping down from his role due to an ongoing back problem. An Executive Committee comprising current Group Lotus board members supported by the shareholder, Proton Holdings Bhd, will assume day-to-day control of the business until a successor is appointed.

Mike, who will be 71 in August, has been suffering from severe back pain for a number of months and underwent surgery in late 2008 which was only partially successful. His doctors have now advised him to retire so as not to jeopardize his long term health. Under these circumstances, the board has regretfully accepted his resignation.

Dato’ Syed Zainal, Managing Director of Proton Holdings Bhd, said: “It is a great shame that Mike’s health has forced his departure earlier than any of us would have liked. He has been a great asset to Lotus over four decades. Since his return in 2006, we have seen a huge turnaround in the fortunes of this great company. He leaves Lotus with our deep gratitude and our very best wishes for his retirement.”

Under Mike’s leadership, Lotus has produced the award-winning Lotus Evora, which was recently launched to the world’s press with universal acclaim. He has also overseen the expansion of Lotus Engineering, one of the world’s most respected high-technology engineering consultancy businesses. Group Lotus now has a positive and stable platform despite the global economic downturn and is delivering against its defined growth targets in the company’s strategic business plan.

Mike Kimberley said: “Sadly, it is on doctor’s orders that I am stepping down but I will leave confident that Lotus is in great shape with a strong management team fully supported by our shareholder in Malaysia. It’ll be very hard to leave knowing that there are such exciting times ahead but I’ll take with me many very happy memories. I want to extend my thanks to the company’s shareholder for their unfailing support, my management team and the wonderful staff both at Hethel and at our various operational locations throughout the world. Most of all I want to thank our Lotus customers and loyal fans worldwide for their support over the years.”

Mike will leave Lotus on 17 July 2009.

ENDS

NOTES
Mike Kimberley – a Very Brief Resum
e
Michael J. Kimberley (“Mike”) C.Eng., F.I. Mech. E., F.R.S.A., F.I.E.D, F.I.M.I has had a remarkable career in the motor industry over the last 56 years, working with some of the great engineers, innovators and leaders of the worlds motor companies.

Mike started as an apprentice with Jaguar in 1953 before rapidly progressing to becoming in Section Leader, Special Projects at Jaguar in 1965 where he lead the team developing the Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans car, under such famous names as Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and Jaguar race director Frank (Lofty) England.

In 1969, he joined Lotus as Manager of Continuous Engineering, with the Lotus Europa Twin Cam being one of his most notable projects. Mike rose steadily but rapidly through the Lotus ranks, joining the Board of Lotus aged 37, and becoming Managing Director of Lotus Cars in 1976 and Managing Director of Lotus Engineering by 1980, being responsible for such Lotus icons as the Esprit, Eclat and Elite.
During the 1970s and 80s, Mike had the unique experience of having worked closely with the company’s founder Colin Chapman, with whom Mike set up the world class Lotus Engineering consultancy to enable Lotus to work for many other cars companies around the world. Lotus Engineering is now a globally recognised high technology engineering consultancy and serves many of the world’s car companies.

After Colin Chapman’s tragic and untimely death in 1982, Mike became C.E.O of Group Lotus plc, as well as holding board positions with a number of Lotus associated companies such as Chairman of Millbrook Proving Ground and President of Moog Systems Inc. With Lotus under General Motors ownership, Mike became Chairman of Group Lotus plc before leaving Lotus in 1992 to become Executive Vice President (General Motors Overseas Corporation) based in South East Asia. Two years later, Mike became director of the Vector Aeromotive Corporation, and in 1994, he became President & Managing Director of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, being responsible for the rebuilding of Lamborghini after Chrysler’s ownership and prior to its sale to Audi AG, as part of the VW Group.

In the mid 1990s, Mike left Lamborghini and worked directly for Tommy Suharto as a board member of Timor Putra Nasional (owners of Lamborghini) until retiring with an undiagnosed tropical fever.

Returning to the automotive industry a few months later, Mike worked in a consultancy role for a number of organisations including Tata Motors Ltd.

In August 2005 Mike was appointed to the Lotus Group International Limited and Group Lotus plc Boards as well as other Boards of Proton. He was appointed acting Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc in May 2006, confirmed as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc in September 2006.

During his second tenure at Lotus, Mike has been responsible for the creation and execution of a new 5 year strategic business plan, and the new, already award-winning Lotus Evora is the first of the range of new Lotus cars to be designed, developed, manufactured and sold by Britain’s most iconic and innovative sportscar company. Lotus Engineering has expanded to become a world-class consultancy employing over 500 highly qualified engineers in five technical centres around the globe. It is revered for innovation, outstanding driving dynamics, exciting niche vehicles and efficient performance engineering.

Mike (70) is married with 3 children and 3 grand children and lives in Norwich.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/07/report-lotus-ceo-mike-kimberley-retires.html/feed0more]]>Lotus Threatens Legal Action Against New Formula 1 Team Using Its Namehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/06/lotus-threatens-legal-action-against-new-formula-1-team-using-its-name.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/06/lotus-threatens-legal-action-against-new-formula-1-team-using-its-name.html#respondThu, 11 Jun 2009 15:32:12 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=4507Lotus Threatens Legal Action Against New Formula 1 Team Using Its NameIn press release issued by Lotus Cars, the British exotic car maker takes issue with recent reports that a new Formula 1 team for 2010 will run under the banner of Team Lotus. The new team, however, says that’s not the case. U.K.-based Litespeed Racing has already secured a sport on the 2010 F1 lineup... more]]>

In press release issued by Lotus Cars, the British exotic car maker takes issue with recent reports that a new Formula 1 team for 2010 will run under the banner of Team Lotus. The new team, however, says that’s not the case.

U.K.-based Litespeed Racing has already secured a sport on the 2010 F1 lineup and decided to run under the Team Lotus name, with the permission of the name’s rights-holder David Hunt.

When Lotus Cars Limited heard of this, it issued a release which clearly stated that, “Group Lotus plc will take all necessary steps to protect its name, reputation and brand image,” a thinly veiled threat that the automaker will seek legal action if Litespeed continues with its plans.

That all seems straightforward enough, except this morning a report in AutoSport suggests information to the contrary. An unnamed source inside the newly formed Team Lotus said, “We’ve kept Lotus fully informed of our intentions and are well aware of the need to protect its brand image. We look forward to having closer ties with it in the future.”

Is this all just a big misunderstanding, or is it possible that Lotus Cars has been made aware of Team Lotus’s plans and is not amused?